I use mulch, bark based is really nice because they improve the water retention in the soil, trap weed seeds and attract bugs, all good forage for chickens. General soil improvement for these reasons is a good thing because chickens love to scratch around and forage. It beats boredom and allows them to do what comes naturally. Wood chips are not great to walk on though if you use a service like chip drop so a thin layer of straw over it can be more comfortable for them and prevent injury. I really like using deep litter in the coop and when I clean it out it’s already well on its way to some nice looking soil. I use a combo of straw and pine shavings and I’m continuing that with the ducks. I don’t have a run. I got a chip drop and the load was big enough to mulch my entire yard except where the food garden is. No huge mud puddles out there now and the moisture retention is amazingly improved. Less dust as well. There are plenty of little weeds for the ducks to munch on and I know the lizard and big populations are thriving. My shrubs really like it too, which provide better shade for the flock when the summer heat hits, etc. it’s a symbiotic relationship. Sorry for the novel
Those are beautiful birds!
